Genetic Diversity and Phenotypic Stability in Crop Plants

Genetic diversity is crucial for crop evolution. Assessing diversity through morphometric analysis in classical plant breeding is a valuable tool for studying crop evolution and selecting suitable parents to produce superior offspring. Parents with high genetic diversity exhibit strong combining ability, resulting in increased heterosis in the F1 generation and the production of useful segregants in subsequent generations. Measuring genetic diversity with Mahalanobis D2 method is a classical approach. Analyzing diversity across seasons and environments is also informative in identifying suitable parents. Consistent genetic diversity over multiple seasons and environments is particularly valuable in practical plant breeding. Molecular markers can be used to measure genetic diversity and avoid the influence of environmental factors. The book provides beneficial information on genetic diversity and phenotypic stability in various field and horticultural crops for researchers involved in crop improvement programs.